Panelists:

Fabian Bigar, Chief Executive Officer, MyDIGITAL
Effendy Shahul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Digital Assets, CIMB Group
Ir. Dr. Lim Eu Shawn, Chief Global Solutions Officer, Aerodyne Group

Moderator:

Manoj Menon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, twimbit

This article summarises the second panel discussion held during our LEAP Summit event which discussed trends and tips for Malaysian businesses to stay on top of their digitalisation game. The panel was moderated by Manoj Menon from twimbit, and was joined by Fabian Bigar from MyDIGITAL, Effendy Shahul Hamid from CIMB Digital Assets, and Ir. Dr. Lim Eu Shawn from Aerodyne Group as the panellists, who shared their experiences on digitalising their own organisations and the impact that the government initiative had upon their journeys.

Pushing Through the Turbulence of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic presented a slew of unprecedented challenges to businesses, ranging from lockdown restrictions to disrupted supply chains and the dwindling availability of physical labour – challenges which forced many businesses to, unfortunately, throw in the towel.

However, businesses and organisations that managed to weather the storm have now credited their survival to the most valuable weapon in today’s business landscape – digitalisation.

CIMB’s Effendy Shahul Hamid first shared how the pandemic negatively impacted their equities in domestic markets and other firms. However, with today’s updated regulations and internal systems, the industry has managed to bounce back in record time as a new key player has entered the playing field.

Financial technology, or fintech, is now shaking up the industry by spreading the usage of apps and AI analytics to automate several traditional forms of banking such as loan applications and wealth management. To accommodate the newly ravenous appetite for convenience in banking services, the financial service market is now racing to increase technology utilisation into several verticals.

Regulatory frameworks and legacy systems have long since constricted banks’ ability and agility to introduce service revamps. However, as fintech continues to upend the landscape and customer expectations, traditional banks now find themselves at a critical inflection point – the continuing inflexibility of service and a hesitance to transform processes may now spell obsolescence.

Effendy once again emphasised the role of tech integration in facilitating CIMB’s goal of improving their customer experience and are a critical factor in attracting customers back to physical banks, a number that has been dwindling over the past 6 years.

Several organisations have already seen the benefits in integrating financial services into their organisations, with a key result being greater product distribution. Touch ‘n’ Go’s loan application alongside its’ main mobility ecosystem has effectively diversified their revenue portfolio. Meanwhile, Lazada’s Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) offering has elevated customer spending power. However, despite the benefits, non-financial institutions are finding that they lack the credibility and trust placed in traditional banking institutions. This highlights a great possibility of product and service-oriented businesses joining forces with traditional banks to deliver a new breed of convenience and credibility in customer experience.

Aerodyne’s Ir. Dr. Shawn Lim also shared how the Malaysian drone-based solutions provider relied on technology to manage their pandemic struggles. With many of Aerodyne’s operating industries affected by the COVID19 lockdowns, the company found opportunity in shoring up the manufacturing industry. Providing drone services for powerline inspections plugged the lack of labour, while reducing costs as well. An eye for spotting problems solvable by technological solutions opened up another opportunity for Aerodyne as they began rolling into the plantation industry – an industry previously completely out of Aerodyne’s radar. By providing problem-solving technological solutions through automated harvests, pesticide application and targeted fertilisation, Aerodyne was able to prevent a RM250 million’s worth of crops from being spoiled – clear evidence that realistic, targeted application of technological solutions can transform entire industries, equalling to success and sustainability for an organisation.      

Government Initiatives Easing the Path of Digitalisation

Alongside businesses’ efforts to harness the benefits of digital transformation, a strong support system is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition. The Malaysian government has been making great strides to encourage digital transformation in the nation. One of the key efforts is in launching initiatives such as MyDIGITAL in 2021, with the aim of elevating Malaysia into a digitally-driven, high income country.

MyDIGITAL spearheads the execution of The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, a comprehensive national strategy to promote the country’s socioeconomic development, using cutting-edge technology.

The first phase of MyDIGITAL sought to solidify the framework of the nation’s adoption of digital technology. Fabian Bigar from MyDIGITAL shared how the budget for bringing micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) online has now grown from RM175,000 to RM1 million – indicating the appetite among MSMEs to participate in the digital economy.

Collaborations have been the cornerstone to success of the initiative. Fabian also shared about how several organisations, including TM, have contributed expertise and manpower to help spearhead MyDIGITAL’s initiative. These collaborations also include making iterative improvements to the MyDIGITAL framework. As the initiative moves into Phase 2, stakeholders such as the MyDIGITAL team, external organisations and government agencies conducted a thorough review of Phase 1, outlining learnings and improvements to be made. This cooperative approach has been instrumental to the framework’s development and signals the mutual desire across all stakeholders in pushing Malaysia towards a more digitally-inclined future.

Staying Relevant with the Upcoming Digitalisation Trends

However, beyond the first steps of digitalisation, the business world must learn to brace for the rapid advancements of technology and the changes that come with it. Within this year, the advent of 5G alone has hugely elevated the capabilities of smart solutions and its’ potential to streamline operations for several industries – this looks to set off another chain of trends and solutions that may transform the business landscape again.

Effendy and Shawn both shared the key business trends that are looking to greatly impact their industries.

Effendy’s take on the trends which will impact the banking industry include:

• The evolution of core banking systems: Banks must re-evaluate their technology, strategy, delivery strategy, and product origination and production to be on par and capable in delivering new consumer expectations effectively.
• Partnerships to generate customers: Banks need to work with multiple partners to complement their weaknesses in creating a holistic offering and encourage customer growth.
• Motivating and upskilling available talent: Many of the changes required from banks can be driven by internal manpower – banks must invest in their available talent and ensure existing teams have the skills required to thrive in a digital ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Shawn shared his thoughts on key business trends that are set to change Aerodyne and many other tech organisations:

• Hyper-competition: As markets become more saturated, the right application of tech and a solid business model is essential in delivering to customers.
• Reskilling talent for a digital economy:  Companies need to be able to cater to the displaced manpower as smart solutions slowly take over the operations of the company.
• Pivoting for an inclusive ecosystem: Digital tools must be built to strengthen the current ecosystem and empower the next level of business for entrepreneurs.

The First Step into Digitalisation for Businesses

It is clear that digitalisation is crucial for a company’s growth and this journey starts by highlighting the priorities of the company which can vary drastically for each company.

• MyDIGITAL values revising the work they have conducted to improve their work in the future.
• CIMB values core decision making which revolves around data intelligence.
• Aerodyne pushes for building a resilient ecosystem and sustainable practice.

In spearheading the digitalisation process, organisation and industry leaders have a big role to play. Hesitance and uncertainty are givens when transforming entire business processes. However, the role of digitalisation in creating resilience and sustainability for today’s business world is not inescapable. The panel concluded that to do this effectively, industry leaders must be open to learning from others, with a strong sense of humility within oneself, and have a certain degree of faith that the digitalisation process will pay off.

To find the ideal digital and smart solutions by TM One which can enable and accelerate your Next digitalisation journey, visit www.tmone.com.my

Kuala Lumpur, 20 June 2023 – In collaboration with TM One, the enterprise and Government sector solutions arm of TM, ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC), a multidisciplinary hospital under Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) is proud to announce the launch of i-Kiddo Ward with smart patient suite features. It aims to offer high-quality services and ensure a better overall experience for patients and their families. This is one of PMC’s digitalisation initiatives that leverages digital healthcare solutions to revolutionise patient care experiences.

The i-Kiddo Ward is PMC’s new paediatric ward equipped with cutting-edge room capabilities, driven by Internet of Things (IoT) technology for automation and surround control. It is designed to enhance patient comfort, streamline nursing care activities and provide convenience to parents and caregivers.

Each of the 35 rooms within the i-Kiddo Ward creates a home-like environment within the hospital setting, allowing patients to customise their in-patient environment. Patients can effortlessly control lighting, air conditioning, curtains and reduce the need for assistance from nursing staff through user-friendly interfaces. These innovative features enhance the patients’ experience and support parents in ensuring their children’s utmost comfort and well-being throughout their hospital stay.

“In collaboration with TM One, we take great pride in being the first hospital to leverage their Smart Patient Suite Solution in our innovative i-Kiddo Ward. By embracing digital technologies, we are revolutionising the way patients and their families experience healthcare within our hospital. This has marked a significant milestone in our digitalisation journey,” said Mr. Peter S. Kasinathan, CEO of ParkCity Medical Centre.

“We are excited to partner with Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care in launching our first Smart Patient Suite. This innovative solution will provide an enhanced patient-centric care experience that puts the patient at the centre of their health journey. By integrating IoT, AI, and digitalisation, RSDH is at the forefront of healthcare innovation. This collaboration will revolutionise patient care and improve in-patient experience through the latest technology. We’re proud to play a role in shaping the future of the nation’s future healthcare,” said Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President, TM One.

As part of its ongoing digitalisation efforts, PMC has implemented a smart queue system for outpatient services, ensuring seamless and efficient patient flow. A smart car parking system utilising car number plate recognition has also been recently introduced. Looking ahead, the hospital has several other digital healthcare initiatives in the pipeline, including an innovative ward that enables patients to use bedside terminals for ordering meals, monitoring medication and accessing personal treatment information.

Peter Hong, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) said, “We are proud of our collective efforts in driving digitalisation, and it exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced patient care. Through the collaboration with TM One, we aim to harness the power of digitalisation to create a seamless healthcare ecosystem, providing more personalised and patient-centred services to our community, ultimately shaping a brighter and smarter future for healthcare together.”

For more information on PMC and its services, visit https://parkcitymedicalcentre.com/

• Installed 233 PoPs under phase 1 with 100% completion, across northern, Sabah and Sarawak
• Enabled greater digital inclusion and opportunities to all layers of community

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) has today announced the completion of its new fibre optic network hub or point of presence (PoP) project phase one (1) installations, across northern region, Sabah and Sarawak. The launch ceremony, which was officiated by YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, took place at SMK Padang Terap, Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Also present were Dato’ Haji Pkharuddin Bin Haji Ghazali, Director-General of Education and Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek, Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications and Digital.

PoP is a place where different devices connect to each other and to the internet. In simple terms, PoP brings fibre closer to users. By setting up PoP locations near schools, people in rural and remote areas can get better and faster internet services in their homes, instead of relying on mobile internet. This will improve internet access and connectivity for more people in the community.

During the ceremony, YB Fahmi highlighted the significant benefits and opportunities that the new PoPs would bring. The new PoPs represent a major step forward in the Government’s efforts to narrow the digital gap and promote digital inclusion across Malaysia.

A total of 4,370 PoPs had been planned under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) where 4,323 PoPs will be installed near rural schools and 47 PoPs near industrial area. Phase one (1) of the project, involves 677 sites and the remaining will be implemented under phase two (2) over the span of three (3) years, 2022-2025. A total of 233 PoP circuits were installed under phase 1, with 100% completion achieved by TM, ahead of other industry players.

“We are thrilled to see the progress and achievements of this project, which will bring significant benefits and opportunities to the community, including improved internet quality, economic development and the development of new infrastructures,” said Shazurawati Abdul Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One.

PoP will create a more balanced and inclusive regional development, boosting the growth of new technologies like 5G and future generations of communication technologies. Through this initiative, users in TM’s PoP area have now reached over 9,000 and are increasing. A total of 58 of its users are schools that have subscribed to Unifi services. The widespread internet accessibility will not only help to develop the rural economy but more importantly allow learning materials to be downloaded, to improve the quality of education in schools, equipping the future generations with a wealth of knowledge.

“As the nation’s telecommunications leader, and enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM is committed to support the nation’s development agenda through the benefits brought by hyperconnectivity and digital solutions, which will accelerate digital adoption and new economic growth,” added Shazurawati.

“The presence of PoP can attract technology companies, start-ups and other businesses that require a high-speed internet connection to operate. This can create more job opportunities, increase innovation, and stimulate economic growth in local communities,” concluded Shazurawati.

The collaboration between TM and the Government demonstrates the shared commitment to deliver digital inclusivity throughout Malaysia. For phase two (2) of PoP project, TM has been awarded with 174 sites in the central region. This phase is expected to further boost digital connectivity and economic development for Malaysia.

• Integration of TM’s robust and secure digital infrastructure for fixed and wireless connectivity and smart solutions will position SSIP as one of the leading industrial parks in Selangor to implement end-to-end digitisation across facilities
• Smart solutions for businesses, industries, residences and community with advanced analytics to deliver a smarter and more efficient city for a greener Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 AUGUST 2022 – NCT Group of Companies (NCT) and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) through its enterprise and public sector business solution arm, TM One, have today signed a Collaboration Agreement for the integration of end-to-end digital solutions for NCT’s landmark Selangor Smart Industrial Park (SSIP).

The collaboration is aligned with NCT’s aspirations to establish dynamic and future-ready property developments while redefining Malaysia’s industrial park concept, with SSIP on track to become the first Managed Industrial Park (MIP) certified park in Malaysia.

Powered by TM’s robust and secured digital infrastructure for both fixed and wireless connectivity, as well as digital solutions including Smart Services, ICT Solutions, Cloud and Cybersecurity Services, among others, SSIP will offer a differentiated experience with the latest in smart innovations – becoming one the leading developments in Malaysia to effectively implement end-to-end digitisation across all its facilities that will enable more efficient, modern and sustainable operations.

In addition to the digitalisation of business and residential facilities, SSIP will also include an AI-managed centralised employee quarters complete with smart surveillance, supporting NCT’s close to 10,000 workforce more efficiently, in a safer and secured environment. It will also house a Smart Wellness Centre leveraging on TM One’s end-to-end comprehensive digital solutions.

SSIP will reflect NCT’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspiration and decarbonisation goals, with plans for 1,000 units of solar-ready factories and warehouses. Coupled with TM’s Smart Service solutions such as Smart Surveillance, Smart Street Light, Smart Building, Smart Premise, Smart Parking and Smart Community, this will also factor into creating a comfortable and greener ecosystem in SSIP.\

Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Group Managing Director of NCT said “It is a privilege to work alongside TM to ensure full suite of connectivity to power our SSIP. The role of TM is crucial in providing the groundwork and framework to realise our vision of creating a fully integrated end-to-end digital solution for our clients. With the development and application of advanced technology, we aim to set a new benchmark to transform the design of industrial parks in the country while playing an active role in advancing Malaysia’s digital aspirations. Coupled with the immense economic potential, SSIP will continue to enhance Selangor’s position as the top investment destination in the country.”

Shazurawati Abd Karim, TM One’s Executive Vice President shared, “We are excited to embark on this alliance with NCT and to support their aspirations to establish a smart, efficient, resilient and sustainable industrial park – one that will redefine the digitalisation of property developments in Malaysia.”

“Aligning with TM’s mission to become a human-centred technology company, our comprehensive solutions from connectivity to smart services and digital innovations will advance the quality and efficiency of businesses and residents within SSIP – taking transformation forward for future communities,” she concluded.  

For further information on TM One, visit www.tm.com.my/tmone

Recognised for extensive capabilities and resources to address cybersecurity gaps among organisations and support data protection efforts in the evolving digital space

TM One, the enterprise and government sector solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM”), was named the Frost & Sullivan Malaysian Cybersecurity Services Company of the Year for 2022.

The award was decided based on a series of detailed evaluations following Frost & Sullivan’s best practices criteria, in which TM One excelled as a service partner in addressing Malaysia’s enterprise and government sector cybersecurity needs.

“TM One is recognized based on its extensive cybersecurity capabilities and resources. With a full suite of cybersecurity services and infrastructure, coupled with a deep understanding of the Malaysian market landscape, TM One continuously upholds a strong reputation of effectively addressing its customers’ security needs,” said Anh Tien Vu, Industry Principal, Global Cybersecurity Research Team at Frost & Sullivan.

Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President, TM One, said: “We are honoured to receive the Frost & Sullivan Malaysian Cybersecurity Services Company of the Year Award. With cybersecurity emerging as a top priority for organisations in their transformation journey, we are committed to growing our end-to-end solutions so that we can provide our customers digital freedom and peace of mind as they expand their businesses in the digital space. Understanding their unique business needs, we work with organisations to assess their cybersecurity capabilities and provide advisory services through our dedicated TM One Cyber Defense Centre (CYDEC) – helping them make the right choices to respond to cyber threats more effectively.”

Addressing Cybersecurity Gaps among Enterprises and Public Sector

More Malaysian organisations are now investing heavily in cybersecurity. As they become increasingly present and vulnerable in the digital space, organisations need to adopt a stronger security posture in their information technology, operational technology, and cloud infrastructure capabilities.

Shazurawati said, “One of the key challenges for organisations is the shortage of in-house security expertise, professionals, and tools, requiring them to outsource their security operations. By working closely with customers to assess their security posture, technology maturity, and business needs, TM One offers customised solutions for managed security services, consultation and advisory, and other value-added services to help them navigate today’s complex technological landscape.”

TM One is also strengthening the public sector’s cybersecurity, working alongside the Malaysian Government to enhance digital connectivity and smart innovations for cities and industries to propel the nation towards becoming a digital economy. In addition to connectivity, TM One continues to invest in local data centres, digital infrastructure and services, ensuring data sovereignty remains within Malaysian borders while bringing global best practices to the nation’s public sector.

Its investments to strengthen Malaysia’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) is one of its efforts to protect government and public data, with its cybersecurity solutions developed in compliance with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Risk Management in Technology (RMiT) policy and the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA).

Anh Tien Vu said, “One consideration that stood out for Frost and Sullivan was that TM One has earned endorsements and collaborations from local cyber authorities, such as Cybersecurity Malaysia and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) of Malaysia through its implementation of best practices, and world-class infrastructure backed by experts. Frost & Sullivan commends TM One’s steadfast efforts in providing cybersecurity services that exemplify this implementation of best practices, which have benefited customers and communities tremendously.”

“On top of developing our own end-to-end solutions, TM One continues to strengthen its partnership ecosystem, collaborating with companies from various security domains to diversify its offerings and coverage. This includes FNS Value Co. Limited, the sole distributor of its Blockchain Secure Authentication solution in Malaysia, which helps secure digital transactions and online credentials, and Telefónica Tech – a global leader in cybersecurity, Cloud and IoT, as a partner in delivering Digital Risk Protection,” explained Shazurawati.

“Our efforts to expand our cybersecurity services and to provide customers with cutting-edge security reflect our commitment to tackling today’s growing cybersecurity concerns. With next-gen technologies such as 5G opening up both new opportunities and threats, TM One is poised as the enabler for organisations’ next advantage and security, today and tomorrow,” she concluded.